The Okotoks Raiders captured their second straight provincial junior A lacrosse title on Friday night, defeating the Edmonton Eclipse 9-5 in the game and 4-1 in the best-of-seven series, in front of a large crowd and Peter Knight Arena in Crossfield.

The Raiders scored first less than 30 seconds in the game, but it was the visiting Eclipse who took control and led 3-1 ten minutes into the first. But, the Raiders did not seem phased and chipped away to knot the score before the period ended.

The Raiders kept the momentum going in the second, scoring four goals, including two shorthanded,  while the Eclipse managed only a single. The home team was up 7-4 after a penalty filled second period.

Content to control the clock for the most part in the third, the Raiders stretched their lead despite the visitors starting 6 on 5’s  with more than six minutes left in the game.

In the end, the Raiders modestly celebrated their victory, giving recognition to their fans for the support they gave them all year long. But, the team knows there is more work to be done and are glad they are going into Minto Cup as provincial champs instead of just as tournament hosts.